reef
noun
a ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral debris, at or near the surface of the water.
reefing
-
present participleof reef.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Part of that action is Patten’s realization that the sailor’s standard storm tactics—including reefing, heaving-to and lying a-hull—will not work in such an intense blow.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
For now, the evidence suggests that reefing is a rare policy.
From Economist ● Jun. 12, 2014
State coffers gain: oil firms typically hand over half the money they save by reefing.
From Economist ● Jun. 12, 2014
Finisterre's No. 2 Genoa blew out, but the crew replaced it and bore down while bigger yachts were reefing cautiously.
From Time Magazine Archive
Pole Star was reefing its own sails and slowing, guiding itself with the minimum acceleration so that it could come up beside them and board.
From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi
